Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Make-ahead magic – assemble the night before, bake in the morning
• Feeds a crowd – perfect for holiday brunches and family gatherings
• Crispy streusel topping meets soft, custardy bread
• No standing at the stove flipping individual slices
• Perfectly balanced sweetness – not too heavy, not too light
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins and toppings
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for days

Tools You'll Need

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Fork or pastry cutter (for streusel)
• Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Whipped cream
• Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (add to streusel)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange bread cubes evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using nuts, stir them in now. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Preheat and Top: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
8. Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream.

Pro Tips

• Use day-old bread for best texture – fresh bread can become too soggy
• For extra flavor, toast the bread cubes slightly before assembling
• Don't skip the refrigeration time – it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard
• Let the casserole come to room temperature before baking for even cooking
• For a crispier topping, add the streusel halfway through baking
• If making ahead, prepare the streusel separately and add just before baking
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Recipe Variations

• Blueberry Lemon: Add 2 cups fresh blueberries and zest of 1 lemon to custard
• Apple Cinnamon: Layer 2 cups diced apples between bread cubes
• Chocolate Chip: Stir 1 cup chocolate chips into bread cubes before adding custard
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1 cup milk with 1 cup pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice
• Berry Medley: Use mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
• Caramel Pecan: Drizzle with caramel sauce and use pecans in the streusel
• Savory Version: Omit sugar, add cheese, herbs, and cooked sausage or bacon
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, cream, and butter alternatives

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! Challah, brioche, croissants, or even cinnamon raisin bread work wonderfully.

How long can I refrigerate before baking?
Up to 24 hours. Any longer and the bread may become too mushy.

Can I freeze French toast casserole?
Yes, either before baking (thaw overnight in fridge) or after baking (reheat covered in oven).

Why is my casserole soggy?
You may have used too fresh bread or not baked it long enough. Day-old bread and proper baking time are key.

Can I make it without the streusel?
Yes, but the streusel adds wonderful texture. You could just sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead.

What if I don't have heavy cream?
Use all milk or substitute with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or additional eggs.

How do I know when it's done?
The center should be set (not jiggly) and a knife inserted should come out clean.

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This French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish – it's a centerpiece for memorable gatherings, a solution for stress-free entertaining, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The contrast between the crispy streusel topping and the soft, custardy bread creates a textural experience that elevates simple ingredients to something truly special.

Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to make an ordinary weekend feel extraordinary, this casserole delivers warmth, comfort, and pure joy in every bite. The make-ahead convenience means you can enjoy the moment with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and if you try this recipe, let me know in the comments what you loved about it.